Is there a "Large Scale Python Software Design" ?

[Josiah Carlson]

Andrea Griffini wrote:
> I proposed python as the main language for our next CAD/CAM
> software because I think that it has all the potential needed
> for it. I'm not sure yet if the decision will get through, but
> something I'll need in this case is some experience-based set
> of rules about how to use python in this context.

I know of 2 startups who have decided to construct similar softwares in
Python, due to the fact that they can build entire packages in a year
with a small, but experienced, development team.  At least one
of them is funded in the tens-of-millions of dollars range by a
half-dozen automotive and aerospace companies.


Jonathan  Ellis wrote:
> Wouldn't it have been better to ask these questions BEFORE proposing
> python as (presumably) a Great Solution?  IMO, as great as python is,
> it isn't appropriate for projects that are large and include many
> developers.

Having recently released a piece of software with 10k lines of Python
running in its backend as a core technology, and being paid for it, I
will say that Python was and is the best tool for the job.  A C version
would have been at least 4-10 times as many lines, and we wouldn't be
releasing ~3 months after starting with nearly the confidence we are now.


In terms of developers, some projects require more than one developer,
and in that sense, Python works as well as other languages: planning is
key.

 - Josiah